Togo Week 1  

This past week has been such a full, joyful, tiring, and challenging week of mission, growth, acclimatization, and adventure. Here’s a recap of what I’ve been up to! 

Saturday — Orientation & DBS

Our week kicked off with orientation as we settled into the rhythm of life here and learned what our summer would look like. We also had our first DBS (Discovery Bible Study) the interns all split up and tagged along with a missionary (who meets with two or three youth at a time) where they dive into the Word and discuss what it shows them about God and themselves and then discuss practical application. 

Sunday — Church, Team Lunch & Hangout

Sunday started with church, such a blessing to worship in a new culture and language, and see the same Spirit moving. Afterwards, we had lunch as a team with all of 6DI and spent time simply hanging out, laughing, and growing connections.

Monday — Confidence in Christ, Strategy, Slave House & The Well

Monday morning we had a session on “Confidence in Christ” and we also sat in on a team strategy meeting where we got insight into their planning of next steps in their ministry whose vision is asking God for 190 000 disciples in the voodoo capital of the world. 

Later, we visited the Slave House and the well, a sobering and emotional experience that reminded us of the deep history this place holds as a main port in the human slave trade. We also got to see the Vocational training program center and the new guest house and retreat center that is in the works. 

Tuesday — Market, Gliji, Beach, Lunch & Soccer

Tuesday was such a cultural immersive day. We explored a local market where we were left with the challenge of trying to buy everything on our list without any help on a foreign currency, laungage and environment. We also saw the beach and had a Togolese meal. 

We also visited a place called Gliji where we saw a voodoo temple, their idols, sacrifices, and saw a ritual taking place. We did a prayer walk around this village. And played soccer in the evening. 

Wednesday — Bible study, French and DBS

Wednesday we challenged ourselves with a 5:30 am 5km (a lot hotter under the African sun!!). We had our own intern bible study where we are going through Colossians. We then had a French class and went to another DBS. Mine was with a 12 year old boy called Israel who was so on fire for Jesus and excited to share his story and hear mine and also to practice his english.

Thursday — VT Day

Thursday was a VT day, we started the morning with the VT program gals doing a Krav Maga (self-defense)  training class with them (so fun!!). And then spent the rest of the day helping the young guys and gals in the program with their manual labor work moving bricks in the compound for the new guest house and retreat center (and saw our first scorpions).  

Friday — Fourth of July 🇺🇸

Even while abroad, we celebrated Independence Day with all the American team (my 1st 4th of July experience). There was so much food, lots of laughter, a team game of survivor. 

Looking back on my first week, what stands out the most is the joy of the Lord is in this place.

While this region may be known as the Voodoo capital of the world, what I’ve experienced tells a different story, one of God’s undeniable presence. This land is holy ground. This is God’s country and these are God’s people.

The Kingdom of God is alive here, breaking through strongholds, planting seeds, and transforming hearts. 

Prayer: 

Spiritual Boldness – As we encounter spiritual darkness, pray for protection for our hearts, that we may stay anchored in truth, and we would be bold and listen to Gods prompting even into the uncomfortable. 

Unity & Grace Among Interns – That we continue to grow in love, patience, and joy as we live very closely together.

Local Leaders – Pray for the Togolese leaders for spiritual depth, courage, and fruit in their communities, and in shaping more young leaders. 

Voodoo-affected Villages – Pray for breakthrough in Gliji and surrounding areas. That fear would be replaced with faith, and chains broken in Jesus’ name.